Vehicle seating assembly with airbag tethers

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly is provided herein. The vehicle includes a seat-base. A seatback is coupled to the seat-base. An airbag assembly is coupled to the seatback and configured to deploy therefrom. A tether is coupled to the airbag assembly and at least one of the seatback and the seat-base. The tether is configured to bias the airbag assembly seating-assembly-downward when the airbag assembly is in a deployed position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicles and, moreparticularly, to vehicle seating assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Autonomous vehicles create a new expectation of occupant freedom ofmovement within a vehicle. This may challenge conventional wisdom forfixed airbag placement and airbag design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a seat-base. A seatback is coupled to the seat-base.An airbag assembly is coupled to the seatback and configured to deploytherefrom. A tether is coupled to the airbag assembly and at least oneof the seatback and the seat-base, wherein the tether is configured tobias the airbag assembly seating-assembly-downward when the airbagassembly is in a deployed position.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   the tether is configured to restrain seating-assembly-forward        movement of the airbag assembly when the airbag assembly is in        the deployed position;    -   the tether is at least partially disposed within the seatback        when the airbag assembly is in a pre-deployment position;    -   the airbag assembly comprises a side airbag configured to deploy        out of a lateral side of the seatback;    -   the airbag assembly comprises an overhead airbag configured to        deploy seating-assembly-laterally-inboard of the side airbag;    -   the overhead airbag is configured to deploy out of the seatback;        and    -   the overhead airbag is configured to deploy seating assembly        upwards of the side airbag.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a seatingassembly includes a seat-base. A seatback is coupled to the seat-base.The seatback includes a headrest and a lateral side.

An overhead airbag is coupled to the seatback and configured to deploytherefrom. A side airbag is coupled to the seatback and configured todeploy out of the lateral side. A tether is coupled to the overheadairbag, the side airbag, and at least one of the seat-base and theseatback.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   the tether is configured to restrain seating-assembly-forward        movement of the overhead airbag when the overhead airbag is in a        deployed position;    -   the tethers are at least partially disposed within the seatback        when at least one of the overhead airbag and the side airbag are        in a pre-deployment position;    -   the overhead airbag is configured to deploy out of the seatback;        and    -   the overhead airbag is configured to deploy out of the headrest.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a seatingassembly includes a seatback coupled to a seat-base. An armrest iscoupled to at least one of the seatback and the seat-base. An airbagassembly is coupled to the seatback and is configured to deploytherefrom. A tether is coupled to the airbag assembly, wherein thetether is configured to become hooked under the armrest when the airbagassembly is in a deployed position.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   the tether is further configured to restrain        seating-assembly-forward movement of the airbag assembly when        the airbag assembly is in the deployed position;    -   the tether is configured to restrain seating-assembly-upward        movement of the airbag assembly when the airbag assembly is in        the deployed position;    -   the tether is at least partially disposed within the seatback        while the airbag is in a pre-deployment position;    -   the airbag assembly comprises a side airbag configured to deploy        out of a lateral side of the seatback;    -   the airbag assembly comprises an overhead airbag configured to        deploy seating-assembly-laterally-inboard of the side airbag;    -   the overhead airbag is configured to deploy out of the seatback;        and    -   the overhead airbag is configured to deploy        seating-assembly-upwards of the side airbag.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior equipped with aseating assembly having an airbag assembly in a pre-deployment position,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the seating assembly having anarmrest, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,illustrating a support member of the armrest in a lowered position,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,illustrating the support member of the armrest in a raised position,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,illustrating a bolster of the armrest in an outboard position, accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,illustrating the bolster of the armrest in a position between theoutboard position and an inboard position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4C is a front elevational view of the seating assembly,illustrating the bolster of the armrest in the inboard position,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a side elevational view of the seating assembly, illustratingthe bolster of the armrest in a rearward position, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of the seating assembly, illustratingthe bolster of the armrest in a forward position, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 6A is a front elevational view of two seating assemblies,illustrating the seating assemblies in a couch configuration, accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a front elevational view of two seating assemblies,illustrating the seating assemblies in a love seat configuration,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the seating assembly, illustratinga propulsion feature and a propulsion system coupled to the seatingassembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken through line VIIA-VIIA of FIG.7, illustrating the propulsion feature and the propulsion system coupledto the seating assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the seating assembly, illustratingthe airbag assembly in a deployed position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a side elevational view of the seating assembly with theairbag assembly in the pre-deployment position, illustrating a tetherdisposed within a seatback of the seating assembly, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of the seating assembly with theairbag assembly in the deployed position, illustrating the armrestdoubling as an anchoring feature, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a side elevational view of the seating assembly with theairbag assembly in the pre-deployment position, illustrating anauxiliary hook in a stowed position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a side elevational view of the seating assembly with theairbag assembly in the deployed position, illustrating the auxiliaryhook in a use position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a side elevational view of the seating assembly with theairbag assembly in the pre-deployment position, illustrating a retractorcoupled to the seating assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of the seating assembly with theairbag assembly in the deployed position, illustrating a cable extendingfrom the retractor and coupled to the tether, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the seating assembly and airbag assemblycontrols, illustrating a controller for controlling the airbag assemblyand tether components; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method of operating the seating assembly,according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe detailed description which follows and will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the description, or recognized by practicing theinvention as described in the following description, together with theclaims and appended drawings.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or moreitems, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself,or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed.For example, if a composition is described as containing components A,B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; Aand B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; orA, B, and C in combination.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removableor releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes,formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics arenot and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger orsmaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, roundingoff, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those ofskill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value oran end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to includethe specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numericalvalue or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” thenumerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include twoembodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.”It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the rangesare significant both in relation to the other end-point, andindependently of the other end-point.

The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as usedherein are intended to note that a described feature is equal orapproximately equal to a value or description. For example, a“substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that isplanar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended todenote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In someembodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of eachother, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of eachother.

As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” andshould not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to thecontrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includesembodiments having two or more such components unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

In reference to FIGS. 1-13, a vehicle 10 has a vehicle interior 12. Thevehicle interior 12 includes a seating assembly 14. The seating assembly14 includes a seat-base 18 and a seatback 22 coupled to the seat-base18. An airbag assembly 38 is coupled to the seatback 22 and isconfigured to deploy therefrom. A tether 46 is coupled to the airbagassembly 38 and at least one of the seatback 22 and the seat-base 18,wherein the tether 46 is configured to bias the airbag assembly 38seating-assembly-downward when the airbag assembly 38 is in a deployedposition.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 includes the seatingassembly 14. The seating assembly 14 may include a seat-base 18 and aseatback 22 coupled to the seat-base 18. In some embodiments, theseatback 22 may be pivotally coupled to the seat-base 18. The seat-base18 may be movably coupled to the vehicle 10. For example, in someembodiments, the seat-base 18 may move along a track system coupled tothe vehicle 10. The seating assembly 14 may move in vehicle forward andrearward directions as is typical of vehicle seating assemblies. In someembodiments, the seating assembly 14 may move in various directionswithin the vehicle 10 and/or rotate or swivel relative to the vehicle 10such that the seating assembly 14 may face various vehicular directions.It is contemplated that the vehicle 10 may include multiple movableseating assemblies 14 and that strategic movement of the seatingassemblies 14 may provide occupants with different seating assemblyconfigurations, such as modular couches and/or love seats.

The seatback 22 may include a headrest 26. In some embodiments, theheadrest 26 may be an extension of the seatback 22. In other words, atleast a portion of the headrest 26 may be integrally coupled with atleast a portion of the seatback 22. In some embodiments, the headrest 26may be movable relative to the remainder of the seatback 22. Forexample, the headrest 26 may be adjusted to accommodate seating assemblyoccupants of differing height. The seatback 22 may include a lateralside 24. In some embodiments, the lateral side 24 may generally face adirection that is generally perpendicular to theseating-assembly-forward and/or seating-assembly-rearward directions. Inother words, the lateral side 24 may face seating-assembly-left orseating-assembly-right. It is contemplated that the lateral side 24 mayinclude a plurality of lateral sides 24. For example, the seatback 22may include a right lateral side 24 and a left lateral side 24.

Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, an armrest 30 may be coupled to theseating assembly 14. The armrest 30 may be coupled to the seatback 22and/or seat-base 18. The armrest 30 may be operable between variouspositions. For example, in some embodiments, relative to the seatingassembly 14, the armrest 30 may move, pivot, slide, and/or articulateforward, rearward, upward, downward, inboard, outboard, and/or acombination thereof.

In some embodiments, the armrest 30 may include multiple components. Thecomponents may be operable between various positions. For example, asshown in FIGS. 2-3B, the armrest 30 may include a support member 32 anda bolster 34. The support member 32 may be coupled to the seat-base 18.In some embodiments, the support member 32 may be operable to moveseating-assembly-upward and seating-assembly-downward. Accordingly, thesupport member 32 may be operable between a lowered position and araised position, as depicted by FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively. It iscontemplated that, in some embodiments, the support member 32 mayadditionally move other seating-assembly-directions relative to theseat-base 18.

In various embodiments, the bolster 34 may be coupled to the supportmember 32. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the bolster 34 may moveseating-assembly-upward and seating-assembly-downward with the supportmember 32. In some embodiments, the bolster 34 may protrude beyond thesupport member 32 in the seating-assembly-forward direction. In someembodiments, the bolster 34 may be movably coupled to the support member32. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the bolster 34 may bearticulable relative to the support member 32 such that the bolster 34may articulate in the seating-assembly-inboard andseating-assembly-outboard directions. Thus, the bolster 34 may beoperable between an inboard position and an outboard position, as shownin FIGS. 4C and 4A respectively. The bolster 34 may further be operableto a position between the inboard position and the outboard position, asdepicted in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, the bolster 34 may be operableto move in the seating-assembly-forward and seating-assembly-rearwarddirections. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the bolster 34 may beoperable between a forward position and a rearward position. It iscontemplated that the seating assembly 14 may have a plurality ofarmrests 30.

The mobility of the armrests 30 and/or components of the armrests 30 mayallow for a variety of seating assembly configurations. For example, asshown in FIG. 4A, the armrests 30 may be positioned such that theseating assembly 14 resembles a captain's chair. In some embodiments,the support members 32 of the armrests 30 are in the raised position andthe bolsters 34 are in the outboard position while the seating assembly14 is configured as a captain's chair. As shown in FIG. 6A, the armrests30 of multiple side-by-side seating assemblies 14 may be configured suchthat the seating assemblies 14 resemble a couch. For example, in oneembodiment, the support members 32 of the armrests 30 are in the loweredposition and the bolsters 34 of the armrests 30 are in the outboardposition while the seating assemblies are configured as a couch. Asshown in FIG. 6B, the armrests 30 of multiple side-by-side seatingassemblies 14 may be configured such that the seating assemblies 14resemble a love seat. For example, in one embodiment, the support member32 of an inner armrest 30A of each of the two side-by-side seatingassemblies 14 is in the lowered position, the support member 32 of anouter armrest 30B of each of the two side-by-side seating assemblies 14is in the raised position, and the bolsters 34 of the armrests 30 are inthe outboard position while the two seating assemblies 14 are configuredas a love seat.

In reference to FIGS. 7-7A, a propulsion feature 44 configured to movethe armrest 30 may be coupled to the seating assembly 14, the seat-base18, and/or armrest 30. In some embodiments, the propulsion feature 44may include an electric motor. In some embodiments, the propulsionfeature 44 may include a pyrotechnic mechanism. It is contemplated thatthe propulsion feature 44 may be at least one of a variety of otherdevices configured to move the armrest 30.

In further reference to FIGS. 7-7A, a propulsion system 48 configured toengage with the propulsion feature 44 may be coupled to the armrest 30.In some embodiments, the propulsion system 48 may be coupled to/and/orengage with the armrest 30, the support member 32, and/or the bolster 34of the armrest 30. It is contemplated, that in some embodiments, thepropulsion system 48 may include at least one of variety of devices toengage with the propulsion feature 44 (e.g., solenoid, piston assembly,etc.) In some embodiments, the propulsion system 48 may include arecirculating ball race nut 60. The recirculating ball race nut 60 maybe coupled to the seating assembly 14, the seat-base 18, and/or thearmrest 30. Further, the recirculating ball race nut 60 may be operablycoupled to the propulsion feature 44. The recirculating ball race nut 60may engage with a threaded driver screw 62. The threaded driver screw 62may have a mechanically reversible thread. The threaded driver screw 62may be coupled to the armrest 30, the bolster 34, and/or the supportmember 32.

In operation, the propulsion feature 44 may be configured to rotate therecirculating ball race nut 60; the recirculating ball race nut 60, inturn, drives the threaded driver screw 62, which subsequently moves thearmrest 30, the support member 32 and/or the bolster 34. In an examplein which the threaded driver screw 62 has a mechanically reversiblethread, the armrest 30, the support member 32, and/or the bolster 34 maybe moved back and forth depending on the direction of the recirculatingball race nut's 60 rotation. For example, the bolster 34 may be movedfrom the inboard position to the outboard position as well as from theoutboard position to the inboard position. It is contemplated that thepropulsion system 48 may include a plurality of propulsion systems 48that correspond to one or a plurality of propulsion features 44. It isfurther contemplated that, in some embodiments, the support member 32and the bolster 34 may engage with and be moved by a singular one of thepropulsion system 48, or the support member 32 and the bolster 34 mayengage with and be moved by separate propulsion systems 48.

In some embodiments, the propulsion feature 44 may be controlled by anoccupant. For example, the occupant may operate a switch that isconfigured to control the propulsion feature 44. In such an example, theoccupant may engage the switch, which subsequently prompts thepropulsion feature 44 to power move the armrest 30, the support member32, and/or the bolster 34. In some embodiments, the armrest 30, thesupport member 32, and/or the bolster 34 may be manually moved by theoccupant. In this way, the armrest 30, the support member 32 and/or thebolster 34 may be moved by the occupant without engaging the propulsionfeature 44.

Referring further to FIG. 7-7A, a locking feature 68 may be coupled tothe armrest 30, the support member 32, and/or the bolster 34. Thelocking feature 68 may be configured to substantially prevent movementof the armrest 30, the support member 32, and/or the bolster 34 relativeto the seat-base 18, seatback 22 and/or the support member 32. Thelocking feature 68 may include at least one of a host of mechanismsconfigured to prevent movement (e.g., pin, stop, dog, detent, abutment,etc.). In some embodiments, the locking feature 68 may include thepropulsion feature 44 (e.g. electric motor). For example, an electricmotor that is configured to move the armrest 30, the support member 32,and/or the bolster 34 may also lock the armrest 30, the support member32, and/or the bolster 34 in place by continuous activation. In someembodiments, the locking feature 68 may be manually engaged and/ordisengaged by the occupant. For example, the locking feature 68 may beengaged and/or disengaged by operation of a switch. In some embodiments,the locking feature 68 is engaged by default, and the armrest 30, thesupport member 32, and/or the bolster 34 may be moved upon disengagementof the locking feature 68. In some embodiments, the locking feature 68may be engaged and/or disengaged by a controller 70, which will bediscussed in greater detail below.

In reference to FIG. 8, in various embodiments, the seating assembly 14may include an airbag assembly 38. The airbag assembly 38 may be coupledto the seatback 22 and configured to deploy therefrom. In someembodiments, the airbag assembly 38 may be coupled to the headrest 26and configured to deploy therefrom. It is contemplated that the airbagassembly 38 may be coupled to and/or disposed within a feature coupledto the headrest 26 and/or the seatback 22 (e.g., external airbagcompartment) and configured to deploy therefrom. The airbag assembly 38may be configured to deploy out of the lateral side 24 of the seatback22. The airbag assembly 38 may be operable between a pre-deploymentposition, wherein the airbag assembly 38 has yet to deploy from theseatback 22 and/or headrest 26, and a deployed position, wherein theairbag assembly 38 has already deployed and/or is in the process ofdeploying. In some embodiments, the airbag assembly 38 is in thedeployed position while the airbag assembly 38 is in a fully expandedposition. In various embodiments, the airbag assembly 38 may be disposedwithin the seatback 22, the headrest 26, and/or a feature coupled to theheadrest 26 and/or seatback 22 (e.g., external airbag compartment),while in the pre-deployment position.

In some embodiments, the airbag assembly 38 may include one or moreairbags. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, theairbag assembly 38 may include an overhead airbag 40 and/or a sideairbag 42. In various embodiments, the side airbag 42 may be disposedwithin the seatback 22, while the airbag assembly 38 is in thepre-deployment position. It is contemplated that, in some embodiments,the side airbag 42 may additionally be disposed within the headrest 26,while the airbag assembly 38 is in the pre-deployment position. Invarious embodiments, the side airbag 42 may be configured to deploy outof the lateral side 24 of the seatback 22. It is contemplated that theside airbag 42 may be a plurality of side airbags 42. For example, theside airbag 42 may include multiple side airbags 42 each of which isconfigured to deploy out of one lateral side 24 of the seatback 22. Inanother example, the side airbag 42 may include multiple side airbags 42configured to deploy out of multiple lateral sides 24 of the seatback22.

In various embodiments, the overhead airbag 40 may be disposed withinthe headrest 26, the seatback 22, and/or a feature coupled to theheadrest 26 and/or seatback 22 (e.g., external airbag compartment),while the airbag assembly 38 is in the pre-deployment position. Theoverhead airbag 40 may be configured to deploy out of the headrest 26and/or seatback 22. In some embodiments, the overhead airbag 40 may beconfigured to deploy seating-assembly-laterally-inboard of the sideairbag 42. In some embodiments, the overhead airbag 40 may be configuredto deploy seating-assembly-upwards of the side airbag 42. It iscontemplated that the overhead airbag 40 may include a plurality ofoverhead airbags 40. It is further contemplated that the plurality ofoverhead airbags 40 may be coupled to one another and/or to one or moreof the plurality of side airbags 42, which may also be coupled to oneanother.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-9A, the tether 46 may be coupled to at leastone of the seatback 22 and/or the seat-base 18. In various embodiments,the tether 46 may be coupled to at least one of the seatback 22 and theseat-base 18 at multiple junctions. For example, the tether 46 may becoupled to the left lateral side 24 of the seatback 22 (shown in FIG. 8)and the right lateral side 24 of the seatback 22 (not shown in FIG. 8).As shown in FIG. 8, a portion of the tether 46 may be generally fixedlycoupled to at least one of the seatback 22 and the seat-base 18, suchthat it is configured to be stay coupled while the airbag assembly 38 isin the pre-deployment position and the deployed position. In variousembodiments, the tether 46 may be at least partially disposed within theseatback 22 when the airbag assembly 38 is in the pre-deploymentposition. In other words, the tether 46 may be partially, majorly,substantially, and/or completely disposed within the seatback 22, whilethe airbag assemblies 38 is in the pre-deployment position. In someembodiments, the tether 46 may be at least partially disposed within theheadrest 26, while in the pre-deployment position. In some embodiments,the tether 46 may be at least partially disposed within the seatback 22when at least one of the overhead airbag 40 and the side airbag 42 arein the pre-deployment position.

In various embodiments, the tether 46 may be coupled to the airbagassembly 38. In some embodiments, the tether 46 may be coupled to theoverhead airbag 40 and/or the side airbag 42. It is contemplated thattether 46 may be coupled to the airbag assembly 38 by a variety ofcoupling means (e.g., sewing, adhesive, belt-looped, etc.). It isfurther contemplated that, in some embodiments, the tether 46 may couplethe side airbag 42 to the overhead airbag 40.

In some embodiments, when airbag assembly 38 deploys, the tether 46 maymove from within the seatback 22 to a position at least partially out ofthe seatback 22. In other words, the tether 46 may move to a position inwhich the tether 46 is partially, majorly, substantially, and/orcompletely out from within the seatback 22. In some embodiments, thetether 46 may move out of the seatback 22 through the lateral side 24 ofthe seatback 22. In various embodiments, the tether 46 may be configuredto directionally bias the airbag assembly 38 when the airbag assembly 38is in the deployed position. In other words, the tether 46 may restrainand/or guide movement of the airbag assembly 38 during and/or afterdeployment of the airbag assembly 38. In some embodiments, the tether 46may be configured to bias the airbag assembly 38 in theseating-assembly-downward direction when the airbag assembly 38 is inthe deployed position. In some embodiments, the tether 46 may beconfigured to restrain seating-assembly-upward movement of the airbagassembly 38 while the airbag assembly 38 is in the deployed position. Insome embodiments, the tether 46 may be configured to restrainseating-assembly-forward movement of the airbag assembly 38 when theairbag assembly 38 is in the deployed position. In some embodiments, thetether 46 may be configured to bias the airbag assembly 38seating-assembly-laterally-inboard and/or restrainseating-assembly-laterally-outboard movement of the airbag assembly 38,while the airbag assembly 38 is in the deployed position.

As depicted in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the tether 46 may include aplurality of tethers 46. In the embodiment shown, two tethers 46 areincluded on each side of the seating assembly 14. In operation, having aone or more tethers 46 coupled to each side of the seating assembly 14may guide the movement of the airbag assembly 38 during deploymentand/or may provide directional support for the airbag assembly 38 tocushion and retain a seat occupant in the event of a crash. In someembodiments, the plurality of tethers 46 may be generally fixedlycoupled to the seating assembly 14 at generally the same area of theseating assembly 14, as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, theplurality of tethers 46 may be generally fixedly coupled to the seatingassembly 14 at different areas of the seating assembly 14. In variousembodiments, the plurality of tethers 46 may be coupled to differentportions of the airbag assembly 38. As shown in FIG. 8, in someembodiments, at least one of the plurality of tethers 46 may beconfigured to be hooked under the armrest 30, while the airbag assembly38 is in the deployed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-11B, an anchoring feature 50 is coupled to atleast one of the seatback 22 and the seat-base 18. In variousembodiments, the anchoring feature 50 may be configured to restrainmovement of the tether 46 while the airbag assembly 38 is in thedeployed position. In some embodiments, the anchoring feature 50 may beconfigured to restrain seating-assembly-upward movement of the tether 46while the airbag assembly 38 is in the deployed position.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, in some embodiments, the anchoring feature 50may include the armrest 30. The armrest 30 may be positioned and/orshaped such that the tether 46 may become hooked and/or securedunderneath the armrest 30. As depicted in FIG. 9B, in some embodiments,the bolster 34 of the armrest 30 may protrude seating-assembly-forwardfrom the support member 32 of the armrest 30 and form a hook-likesurface under which the tether 46 may be secured while the airbagassembly 38 is in the deployed position. It is contemplated that thearmrest 30 may restrain movement of the tether 46 while the airbagassembly 38 is in the deployed position in a variety ways.

Referring now to FIG. 10B, in some embodiments, the anchoring feature 50may include an auxiliary hook 52. The auxiliary hook 52 may bepositioned and/or shaped such that the tether 46 may become hookedand/or secured by the auxiliary hook 52. As depicted in FIG. 10B, insome embodiments, the auxiliary hook 52 may be coupled to the seat-base18 and form a surface under which the tether 46 may be secured while theairbag assembly 38 is in the deployed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, in some embodiments, the anchoringfeature 50 may include a cable 54 coupled to the tether 46. In variousembodiments, the cable 54 may be coupled to the tether 46 while theairbag assembly 38 is in the pre-deployment position and the deployedposition. In some embodiments, the cable 54 may be at least partiallydisposed within the seat-base 18 and/or the seatback 22 while the airbagassembly 38 is in the pre-deployment position. In some embodiments, thecable 54 may be coupled to the seat-base 18. In some embodiments, thecable 54 may be operably coupled to a retractor 56 that may be coupledto the seat-base 18. The retractor 56 may be configured to retract thecable 54. In some embodiments, the retractor 56 maybe configured toretract the cable 54 while the airbag assembly 38 is in the deployedposition. It is contemplated that the retractor 56 may be prompted toretract the cable 54 by at least one of a host of circumstances thatincludes, but is not limited, a sudden stop of the vehicle 10, a signalreceived from the controller 70, a deployment of the airbag assembly 38,and/or a combination thereof. The retractor 56 may be any suitablemechanism for retracting the cable 54 (e.g., winch).

In operation, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 11A, the cable 54 mayfirst be disposed within the seat-base 18 and/or the seatback 22 whilethe airbag assembly 38 is in the pre-deployment position. As the airbagassembly 38 moves from the pre-deployment position to the deployedposition, the cable 54 may move out from within the seat-base 18 and/orseatback 22 as the airbag assembly 38 deploys and the tether 46 movesout of the seatback 22. This may create slack in the cable 54 as isdepicted by the cable 54 shown in phantom in FIG. 11B. The retractor 56may then retract the cable 54 and take up the slack (see non-phantomcable 54 in FIG. 11B). In some embodiments, the retractor 56 may beconfigured to retract the cable 54 until a particular length of cable 54has been retracted. In various embodiments, the cable 54 may beconfigured to restrain the seating-assembly-upward movement and/or biasseating-assembly-downward movement of the tether 46 and/or the airbagassembly 38.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-10B, the anchoring feature 50 may be operablebetween various positions. In some embodiments, movement of theanchoring feature 50 may enable the tether 46 to be hooked and/orsecured by the anchoring feature 50, while the airbag assembly 38 is inthe deployed position.

In some embodiments, in which the anchoring feature 50 includes thearmrest 30, the armrest 30 may be operable between a first position anda second position. In some embodiments, movement from the first positionto the second position may include moving the armrest 30seating-assembly-upward or seating-assembly-downward. For instance,FIGS. 9A-9B, which depict the support member 32 of the armrest 30 movingbetween the lowered position and the raised position respectively, maydemonstrate movement of the armrest 30 from the first position to thesecond position, according to one example. It is contemplated thatmovement of the armrest 30 between the first position and the secondposition may include at least one of a variety of movements of thearmrest 30, the support member 32, and/or the bolster 34. For example,movement of the armrest 30 between the first position and the secondposition may include, but it not limited to, movement of the armrest 30,the support member 32, and/or the bolster 34 between the raised andlowered positions, the inboard and outboard positions, the forward andrearward positions, and/or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, in which the anchoring feature 50 includes theauxiliary hook 52, the auxiliary hook 52 may be operable between astowed position and a use position. In some embodiments, the auxiliaryhook 52 may move seating-assembly-upward from the stowed position to theuse position, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, respectively. In someembodiments, the auxiliary hook 52 may move between the stowed and useposition by moving, pivoting, sliding, and/or articulating forward,rearward, upward, downward, inboard, outboard, and/or a combinationthereof. It is contemplated that, similar to the armrest 30, theauxiliary hook 52 may be moved between the stowed position and the useposition by a variety of means (e.g., electric motor, threaded driverscrew, recirculating ball race nut, solenoid, etc.). In someembodiments, the auxiliary hook 52 may be generally hidden from the viewof a vehicle 10 occupant while the auxiliary hook 52 is in the stowedposition.

Referring now to FIG. 12, as referenced above, the seating assembly 14may include the controller 70, which may be configured to receivevarious inputs 78 and control various outputs. The controller 70 may bea shared or dedicated controller that includes a microprocessor 72 andmemory 74 as illustrated, according to various embodiments. It should beappreciated that the controller 70 may include control circuitry such asanalog and/or digital control circuitry. Stored within the memory 74 andexecuted by the microprocessor 72 is logic 76 for processing the variousinputs 78 and controlling various outputs described herein. The inputs78 to the controller 70 may include an occupant presence signal 80,which may be made available from another controller via a vehicle datacommunication line or a shared bus, and may indicate the presence orabsence of an occupant in the seating assembly 14. The presence orabsence of an occupant in the seating assembly 14 may be determinedthrough a variety of methods and/or by a variety of features (e.g.,weight sensor, proximity sensor, etc). Additionally, the controller 70may receive an anchoring feature position signal 82 as the input 78. Theanchoring feature position signal 82 may be made available from anothercontroller, and may indicate the position of the anchoring feature 50.For example, in an embodiment in which the anchoring feature 50 includesthe auxiliary hook 52, the anchoring feature position signal 82 mayindicate that the auxiliary hook 52 is in the stowed position, the useposition, or a position between the stowed and use positions.

Further, the controller 70 may receive a threat prediction signal 84 asthe input 78. The threat prediction signal 84 may indicate a variety ofconditions. In some embodiments, the threat prediction signal 84 mayindicate a likelihood of impact. In other words, the threat predictionsignal 84 may indicate the likelihood of the vehicle 10 colliding withan object outside of the vehicle 10. The likelihood of impact may bedetermined by accounting for at least one of a host of factors which mayinclude, but is not limited to, speed of the vehicle 10, rate ofdeceleration of the vehicle 10, proximity of the vehicle 10 to anobject, size and/or shape of an object, proximity of the vehicle 10 toan object, direction of movement of the vehicle 10 relative to anobject, direction of movement of an object relative to the vehicle 10,and/or speed of movement of an object. The likelihood of impact factorsmay be determined by a variety of devices that may include, but are notlimited to, cameras, proximity sensors, and/or radar sensors. It iscontemplated that a variety of other features may be employed fordetermining the factors of a likelihood of impact.

Referring further to FIG. 12, the controller 70 may classify the threatprediction signal 84 into at least one of a plurality of threat levels88. In some embodiments, the threat prediction signal 84 may beclassified as at least one of a first threat level 90, a second threatlevel 92, and a third threat level 94. In examples where the threatprediction signal 84 indicates a likelihood of impact, the first threatlevel 90 may indicate a lower likelihood of impact than the secondthreat level 92 and the third threat level 94. The second threat level92 may indicate a higher likelihood of impact than the first threatlevel 90 and a lower likelihood of impact than the third threat level94. The third threat level 94 may indicate a higher likelihood of impactthan the first threat level 90 and the second threat level 92.

In some embodiments, the inputs 78 to the controller 70 may includevarious other signals such as signals from other controllers within thevehicle 10 and/or signals sent to the controller 70 by activation ofswitches by an occupant. The controller 70 may also be connected,interact with, and/or control various other components of the vehicle 10(e.g., the seating assembly 14, the propulsion feature 44, the anchoringfeature 50, the airbag assembly 38, the locking feature 68, theretractor 56, etc.), and the functions of those components (e.g.,movement, speed of movement, activation, engagement, deployment, etc.)directly, and/or through communication with another controller. Forexample, the controller 70 may facilitate the movement of the anchoringfeature 50 between positions and the deployment of the airbag assembly38. In some examples, the controller 70 may facilitate such action byreceiving the input 78 (e.g. threat prediction signal 84) and executingthe logic 76 stored within the memory 74 with the microprocessor 72.

In reference to FIG. 13, a method of operating a vehicle seatingassembly 110 is disclosed. The method may include the step 112 ofreceiving at least one input 78. As discussed above, the controller 70may receive inputs 78 from various sources. In various embodiments, theinput 78 may include the occupant presence signal 80, the anchoringfeature position signal 82, the threat prediction signal 84, and/orvarious other signals. In some embodiments, upon receiving the threatprediction signal 84, the controller 70 may classify the threatprediction signal 84 into at least one of the plurality of threat levels88 (e.g., the first threat level 90, the second threat level 92, thethird threat level 94). The controller 70 may determine a change inthreat levels 88. In some embodiments, the controller 70 may determine achange in threat levels 88 by utilizing the logic 76 within the memory74 and/or the microprocessor 72.

Next, the method of operating a vehicle seating assembly 110 may includethe step 114 of positioning the anchoring feature 50. As discussedabove, in embodiments in which the anchoring feature 50 includes thearmrest 30, positioning the anchoring feature 50 may include moving thearmrest 30 from the first position to the second position. Inembodiments in which the anchoring feature 50 includes the auxiliaryhook 52, positioning the anchoring feature 50 may include moving theauxiliary hook 52 from the stowed position to the use position.

In various embodiments, the anchoring feature 50 may be positioned inresponse to the controller 70 receiving at least one input 78. In someembodiments, the anchoring feature 50 may be moved between positions inresponse to an occupant presence signal 80. In some embodiments, theanchoring feature 50 may be moved between positions in response to thethreat prediction signal 84, a classification of the threat predictionsignal 84 into one of the threat levels 88, and/or a determination of achange in threat levels 88. For example, the armrest 30 may move fromthe first position to the second position in response to the controller70 determining that the threat prediction signal 84 is reclassified fromthe first threat level 90 to the second threat level 92. In someexamples, the auxiliary hook 52 may move from the stowed position to theuse position in response to a change in threat levels 88.

Next, the method of operating a vehicle seating assembly 110 may includethe step 116 of deploying the airbag assembly 38. As discussed above,the airbag assembly 38 may be deployed from the seatback 22, theheadrest 26, and/or a feature coupled to the seatback 22 and/or headrest26 (e.g., external airbag compartment). In some embodiments, the airbagassembly 38 may be deployed from within the seatback 22, the headrest26, and/or a feature coupled to the seatback 22 and/or headrest 26(e.g., external airbag compartment).

In various embodiments, the airbag assembly 38 may be configured todeploy in response to the controller 70 receiving at least one input 78.In some embodiments, the airbag assembly 38 may be configured to deployin response to the threat prediction signal 84, a classification of thethreat prediction signal 84 into at least one of the threat levels 88,and/or a determination of a change in threat levels 88. For example, theairbag assembly 38 may deploy in response to the controller 70determining that the threat prediction signal 84 is reclassified fromthe second threat level 92 to the third threat level 94.

Next, the method of operating a vehicle seating assembly 110 may includethe step 118 restraining movement of the airbag assembly 38 with thetether 46 coupled to the airbag assembly 38. In some embodiments, thetether 46 may restrain seating-assembly-forward movement of the airbagassembly 38. In some embodiments, the tether 46 may restrainseating-assembly-upward movement of the airbag assembly 38. It iscontemplated that, in some embodiments, the tether 46 may restrainand/or bias movement of the airbag assembly 38 in a variety ofseating-assembly directions.

Next, the method of operating a vehicle seating assembly 110 may includethe step 120 of restraining movement of the tether 46 coupled to theairbag assembly 38 with the anchoring feature 50 coupled to at least oneof the seatback 22 and the seat-base 18. In some embodiments, theanchoring feature 50 may restrain seating-assembly-upward movement ofthe tether 46. In some embodiments, the anchoring feature 50 mayrestrain seating-assembly-inboard movement of the tether 46. It iscontemplated that in some embodiments, the anchoring feature 50 mayrestrain and/or bias movement of the tether 46 in a variety ofseating-assembly directions. As discussed above, the anchoring feature50 may include at least one of the armrest 30, the auxiliary hook 52,and the cable 54. In some embodiments, the step 120 of restrainingmovement of the tether 46 with the anchoring feature 50 may includesecuring and/or hooking the tether 46 beneath the anchoring feature 50.

Next, the method of operating a vehicle seating assembly 110 may includethe step 122 of retracting the cable 54 into the retractor 56. Asdiscussed above, in some embodiments, the retractor 56 may be configuredto retract the cable 54 until a particular length of the cable 54 hasbeen retracted or has been left un-retracted. In some embodiments, thecable 54 may be retracted in response to a slackening of the cable 54,and/or the airbag assembly 38 deploying.

In some embodiments, the cable 54 may be retracted by the retractor 56in response to the controller 70 receiving at least one input 78. Insome embodiments, cable 54 may be retracted in response to the occupantpresence signal 80. In some embodiments, the cable 54 may be retractedin response to the threat prediction signal 84, a classification of thethreat prediction signal 84 into one of the threat levels 88, and/or adetermination of a change in threat levels 88. For example, the cable 54may be retracted in response to the controller 70 determining that thethreat prediction signal 84 is reclassified from the first threat level90 to the second threat level 92.

It is to be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise in theclaims, that the steps of the method of operating a vehicle seatingassembly 110 need not be performed in the order that each step is listedabove.

Use of the present disclosure may provide a variety of advantages.First, the airbag assembly 38 may be coupled to and move with theseating assembly 14 and may, therefore, provide an occupant withprotection, irrespective of the position of the seating assembly 14within the vehicle 10. Second, the tether 46 may restrain movement ofthe airbag assembly 38 while the airbag assembly 38 is in the deployedposition, which may increase the safety of a seat occupant in the eventof a crash. Third, the anchoring feature 50 may restrainseating-assembly-upward movement of the tether 46, which may, in turn,restrain seating-assembly-upward movement of the airbag assembly 38,which may increase the safety of a seat occupant in the event of avehicle 10 rollover, by keeping the airbag assembly 38 in its correctdeployed position.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly, comprising: aseat-base; a seatback coupled to the seat-base; an airbag assemblycoupled to the seatback and configured to deploy therefrom; and a tethercoupled to the airbag assembly and at least one of the seatback and theseat-base, wherein the tether is configured to bias the airbag assemblyseating-assembly-downward when the airbag assembly is in a deployedposition.
 2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the tetheris further configured to restrain seating-assembly-forward movement ofthe airbag assembly when the airbag assembly is in the deployedposition.
 3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the tetheris at least partially disposed within the seatback when the airbagassembly is in a pre-deployment position.
 4. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 1, wherein the airbag assembly comprises: a sideairbag configured to deploy out of a lateral side of the seatback. 5.The vehicle seating assembly of claim 4, wherein the airbag assemblyfurther comprises: an overhead airbag configured to deployseating-assembly-laterally-inboard of the side airbag.
 6. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 5, wherein the overhead airbag is configuredto deploy out of the seatback.
 7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim5, wherein the overhead airbag is configured to deployseating-assembly-upwards of the side airbag.
 8. A vehicle seatingassembly, comprising: a seat-base; a seatback coupled to the seat-base,comprising; a headrest; and a lateral side; an overhead airbag coupledto the seatback and configured to deploy therefrom; a side airbagcoupled to the seatback and configured to deploy out of the lateralside; and a tether coupled to the overhead airbag, the side airbag, andat least one of the seat-base and the seatback.
 9. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 8, wherein the tether is configured to restrainseating-assembly-forward movement of the overhead airbag when theoverhead airbag is in a deployed position.
 10. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 8, wherein the tethers are at least partially disposedwithin the seatback when at least one of the overhead airbag and theside airbag are in a pre-deployment position.
 11. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 8, wherein the overhead airbag is configured to deployout of the seatback.
 12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8,wherein the overhead airbag is configured to deploy out of the headrest.13. A vehicle seating assembly, comprising: a seatback coupled to aseat-base; an armrest coupled to at least one of the seatback and theseat-base; an airbag assembly coupled to the seatback and configured todeploy therefrom; and a tether coupled to the airbag assembly, whereinthe tether is configured to become hooked under the armrest when theairbag assembly is in a deployed position.
 14. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 13, wherein the tether is further configured torestrain seating-assembly-forward movement of the airbag assembly whenthe airbag assembly is in the deployed position.
 15. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 13, wherein the tether is further configured torestrain seating-assembly-upward movement of the airbag assembly whenthe airbag assembly is in the deployed position.
 16. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 13, wherein the tether is at least partially disposedwithin the seatback while the airbag assembly is in a pre-deploymentposition.
 17. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 13, wherein theairbag assembly comprises: a side airbag configured to deploy out of alateral side of the seatback.
 18. The vehicle seating assembly of claim17, wherein the airbag assembly further comprises: an overhead airbagconfigured to deploy seating-assembly-laterally-inboard of the sideairbag.
 19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 18, wherein theoverhead airbag is configured to deploy out of the seatback.
 20. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 19, wherein the overhead airbag isconfigured to deploy seating-assembly-upwards of the side airbag.